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Capital outflow from Malaysia – where to?

Much has been said about the capital outflows from Malaysia. But where exactly are Malaysian firms investing in?

The top 10 destinations outside the country for Malaysian investments in 2009 were:

  1. Singapore – RM5.8 billion
  2. Hong Kong – RM4.3b
  3. Mauritius – RM3.4b
  4. Indonesia – RM2.2b
  5. The Netherlands – RM1.9b

Malaysia not very ‘happy’; many ‘struggling’

A Gallup global survey reveals that Malaysia is way down in the list of ‘happy countries’.

Respondents were asked how they felt the previous day and had to rate “whether they felt well-rested, respected, free of pain and intellectually engaged”.

Denmark is the ‘happiest’ country in the world, according to the Gallup survey results published in Forbes.

The ranking among Southeast Asian nations is as follows:

79 – Thailand
81 – Singapore
85 – Indonesia
91 – Burma (and Bangladesh)
94 – Malaysia and Philippines
96 – Vietnam
130 – Laos
148 – Cambodia

A ‘spy camera’ that beeps?

I see a ‘spy camera’ has been found in Selangor MB Khalid Ibrahim’s office.

Oh my, there’s never a dull moment in Malaysia.

This is a so-called ‘spy camera’ – actually a video camera placed among the curtains – that beeps when the battery level is low. (That’s how the camera was found.)

An early general election?

What can we expect from the next general election, which a few believe may coincide with the Sarawak state election?

The last general election was widely described as a watershed general election, but real change is still some way off, although we are now closer to a viable two-coalition system.

New Botanic Garden chief seeks volunteers

The new Ketua Penguasa of the Penang Botanic Garden, Tengku Idaura, has a monumental challenge ahead of her in restoring and improving the Garden in line with best practices.

She is seeking the assistance of volunteer botanists and garden enthusiasts.

Says Tengku Idaura:

It’s heartening to read the comments about the Penang Botanic Gardens. After working here for seven days, I feel downright discouraged at the volume of tasks ahead of me. Most of all, can I remove all the unnecessary structures which the officials would declare as “structurally sound” and therefore…

Is this Obama?

Some light relief for a change. Enjoy.

Part Two below

Leaning Arch’s last stand

Watch the last few moments before the Leaning Arch at the Penang Botanic Garden came crashing down.


Oops! That wasn’t supposed to happen – Photo credit: guangming.com

The Taib saga continues

Have a look at the latest revelation in the ongoing saga of Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud.

Go to the Sarawak Report here.

An almighty C-R-A-S-H, a miraculous escape

The demolition of the ‘Leaning Arch of Penang’ at the Botanic Garden went horribly wrong when the large structure inadvertently toppled over, crashing through a metal hoarding.

At precisely 8.45pm, a hydraulic breaker mounted on a crane began slamming against the upper portion of the leaning arch. The jackhammer-like machine tore bits of concrete from the arch and eventually punched a gaping hole just above the centre of the arch. The arch didn’t stand a chance nor did it put up much resistance.

Anti-ISA protest greets Anifah in London

Apparently, the “Abolish ISA” chanting could be heard from inside the Malaysian High Commission in London. Foreign Minister Anifah got out of his car and came over to talk to those at the vigil for about half an hour.


Anifah meets the protesters in London on Sunday, 8 August – Photo by PocketFiat; see slideshow here.

Those who were already inside the High Commission waiting for his speech to them, apparently ended up waiting for quite some time.

0030: A group of about 30 people are protesting against the ISA outside the Malaysian High Commission in London.